Strawberry Blonde

二十一

I pulled the lunch doors back open but a swarm of kids ran out with the sound of the bell.

Fighting my way through the harsh current of bodies I finally made my way back in but couldn't see Laurence anywhere.

" There you are Hassan ! Walk me to class ?" Charolette said grabbing my arm.

" Aren't we in the same class this period ?" I said noticeably annoyed.

" Yeah but it's more fun when you're with me."

" Charolette you know we're not together right ? I'm only going to the Halloween dance with you."

" Don't forget my house party !" She said squeezing my arm.

The only reason I'm going to that is just because Laurence is. Hopefully I can tell him how I feel there if we're even on speaking terms still.

" So did you hear the rumors about one of your teammates ?" She said whispering.

I gave her a puzzled luck signaling her I didn't.

" He's on the basketball team, Bryan I think his name is ? Anyway guys in the locker room have been saying they catch his eyes lingering at them when they change."

I gulped feeling my heart beat quicker.

Could he be...?

" I mean it's whatever to me though. The guys are going to confront him about it after the big game on Friday. It's none of my business though that's his lifestyle." Charolette said as we walked into class.

" Liking guys isn't a life style it's a way people are born." I said taking my seat.

" So you do think he's gay ?" She said standing over my desk.

" I don't care what he is and frankly neither should any of you. Why should anyone but himself care what HE does with HIS genitals ? There should definitely be a 'How to mind your on business' class." I scoffed.

" Ooo a sports guy and an intellectual activist ! You keep getting sexier by the second." Charolette said moving to her desk.

                              ><•><

School finally ended and instead of going to my locker I rushed straight outside hoping to catch Laurence as he exited the school.

Other students passing me were talking about Charolette's party and what houses on the west side had the biggest candy bars for trick or treating.

" You're out early." Bee said walking up to me.

" Yeah I know, me and Laurence got into a 'fight' and I need to tell him how I feel...even if he's straight."

" Wow ? Is this growth !?" She sarcastically said.

" I don't know what it is but it has to be done if I want to keep him." I admitted.

" Well I hate to burst your redemption bubble but think he went home early. Michelle went home cause of cramps so I think he walked with her around eighth period."

Damn it

I was hoping to find him now and have a happy little feelings jam so I don't have to go to Charolette's party.

I sighed.
" Ready to go home then Bee ?"

" I've been ready since this morning, I think me and Michelle's cycles synced so I'm getting cramps too." She said rubbing her lower stomach.

" So I'm guessing you guys aren't going to the dance huh ?"

" Nope ! I'm getting a heating pad, tub if ice cream and I'm going on a Disney special marathon."

As we got farther into the suburbs little kids already had on their costumes going door to door scavenging candy. Early starts are always smart I guess.

" Hassan did you ever get your costume ?" Bee said as we walked up the front stairs.

" I'll throw together some clothes and be a rockstar. I just need to find some eyeliner for the dark circles." I said as we walked in.

That's odd, mom and dad still not home ? I wonder what's going on with those two.

" Why is there never any food in this house !?" Bee screamed from the kitchen.

" I'll order some Chinese ! Just go lay down or something." I said.

I heard her groan before galloping up the stairs angrily.

After about an hour or so and the food finally came, Bee however was fast asleep leaving me to me to a quiet house.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and to my misfortune Charolette was texting me.

C: Hey Cutie wyd ?
H: About to go to sleep.
C: It's only 3:30 tho...
H: Naps are naps
C: Fine but before u go what are u coming as tomorrow ? I was thinking you could be Chucky and I could be Tiffany ?
H: How do you even know about those two icons ?
C: I'm not the dumb cheerleader everyone thinks I am, I actually know a lot that would surprise you 😌
H: ....welp I'm coming as a Rockstar so u can be my Hannah Montana I guess
C: BEST IDEA EVER !!! Now this blonde wig won't go to waste I'll just wear my regular clothes since I'm already pop star level 😘
H: K so I'm going to sleep now night !

Before I could see what she had to say back I put my phone on the charger and slumped into bed turning on the TV.

Guess it's just me myself and I tonight.